How to Decorate With Christmas Vintage Lights

Decorating with vintage Christmas lights will take you back to a simpler time of festivities and evoke a cozy atmosphere from a historic tradition. Do it right to resurrect your favorite period of history right in your own home.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Take a set of Christmas lights from a past decade. There are so many styles to choose from, such as the popular ribbed cones from the 1920s or the 70s' flower petals. Look at online auctions or in local antique stores if you don't already have some in your attic.
2. Test all the bulbs on the lights before using them as decoration to check for frayed or damaged wiring or burnt out bulbs. Depending on when your lights are from, if a single bulb is out, chances are that none will come on. Don't despair, but test all the lights separately and replace the bulbs as needed.
3. Drape the bulbs either in a traditional style around the Christmas tree or frame a doorway or mantle piece. Some of the more garish styles work better when they stand alone. For example, the early 1940s Disney lights are beautifully handcrafted and don't need to be surrounded by other decorations.
4. Use ornaments and other decorations from the same period such as German Dresden glass or a bright 1960s flower-inspired tablecloth to continue the theme throughout the room or house. If you are decorating your tree, you can find other candies and baubles from the same period.

Tips & Warnings

• Search online for vintage kits that include additional lights.

Who Can Help:

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